Patagonia & Polar Passage

Passionate and alive with an infectious energy, Buenos Aires is a breathlessly romantic city, which blends colonial architecture with a down-to-earth Latin American clamour. Famed for steamy tango interplays and expertly seared steaks, this city is a fiery fiesta for the senses.

Visitors can choose to visit Caminito, the colourful street museum, shop at San Telmo Market, stroll through Recoleta Cemetery or cruise the Tigre River delta. Ships will dock at the Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martin which is a 30 minute drive from the airport and a 10 minute drive to the city centre.

The Falkland Islands, a remote South Atlantic archipelago, offer a unique blend of rugged landscapes and rich wildlife. Stanley, the capital, is known for its quaint British charm, with colorful houses, cozy pubs, and the historic Christ Church Cathedral. The Falkland Islands Museum provides fascinating insights into the islands’ history and culture.

For nature enthusiasts, the islands are a paradise. Visit Volunteer Point to witness one of the world’s largest king penguin colonies. Gypsy Cove offers excellent opportunities for spotting Magellanic penguins and other bird species. The pristine beaches and dramatic coastlines make the Falklands a perfect destination for hiking and wildlife photography.

Your ship will anchor in Port Stanley’s harbor and you'll be tendered ashore. The town center is just a short walk from the tender pier, allowing for easy exploration on foot. This charming capital of the Falkland Islands offers a glimpse into British heritage with its quaint streets and vibrant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from visiting the historic Christ Church Cathedral and the Whalebone Arch to exploring the Falkland Islands Museum. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Gypsy Cove, just 7 km (4.3 miles) away and home to Magellanic penguins and other seabirds.

The Antarctic Peninsula offers a dramatic tableau of sculpted glaciers, jagged peaks, and drifting icebergs. Towering ice cliffs calve into the sea, while pods of orcas and humpbacks often shadow the ship’s wake. Seals lounge on floating ice, and colonies of Adélie and gentoo penguins dot the snowy shores. Keep binoculars ready - this remote wilderness is alive with fleeting, unforgettable wildlife moments.

The body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica is named the Drake Passage. This is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge and they’re some of the choppiest waters in the world.

It takes the average cruise ship about 48 hours to sail from one end of the Drake Passage to the other. Some days the water will be surprisingly calm, others will present your cruise with sizable swells.

If you’re prone to seasickness, it's a good idea to see your doctor before you sail, and even if you're the type who laughs at roller-coasters, there's a good chance the Drake is going to test that cast-iron stomach of yours.

Located at the southernmost end of South America, Ushuaia is is often called a doorway to Antarctica. The town boasts incredible natural beauty through its national parks like the Tierra del Fuego National Park with cultural institutions like the Museo del Fin del Mundo, or the End of the World Museum. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Ushuaia:

• ride the steam-powered End Of The World Train
• Spend the day walking the Tierra Del Fuego National Park
• Martial Glacier affords spectacular vistas from its 1,050-meter summit

Punta Arenas, perched on the southern tip of Chile's mainland, serves as a crucial gateway to the Antarctic, drawing explorers from around the world. This city is steeped in maritime history and is the largest population centre in Patagonia, offering a fascinating mix of cultural influences evident in its architecture and local customs. The Nao Victoria Museum, featuring replicas of historic ships, and the poignant Monumento al Ovejero, celebrating the region’s sheep farming heritage, are key highlights.

The rugged, windswept landscapes surrounding Punta Arenas invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Nearby Torres del Paine National Park offers spectacular trekking opportunities, while the Strait of Magellan provides panoramic sea vistas and a chance to spot diverse marine wildlife, making this region a hub for natural and historical exploration.

These fjords, carved by ancient glaciers, stretch along Chile's southern coast, revealing deep blue waters, towering peaks, and lush rainforests. You'll marvel at breathtaking views, including the famed Amalia Glacier, with its striking blue ice cascading into the sea. The region is rich in wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Spot majestic humpback whales, playful dolphins, and colonies of sea lions.

Puerto Chacabuco, located in southern Chile, is a primary gateway to the remote Aysén region, known for its dramatic landscapes and pristine wilderness. This small port town is crucial for connecting the isolated areas of Patagonia with the rest of the country, facilitating access to incredible natural sites.

Visitors to Puerto Chacabuco often use it as a starting point for exploring the lush rainforests, towering mountains, and deep fjords that define the area. Nearby attractions include the San Rafael Lagoon with its advancing glaciers and the Simpson River National Reserve, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching. The region's rich biodiversity and the tranquil environment make Puerto Chacabuco a pivotal location for those seeking to immerse themselves in Chile’s untouched natural beauty.

Puerto Montt, located in the southern reaches of Chile, serves as the gateway to the Chilean fjords, Patagonia, and the Andes Mountains. This port city is vital for its role in connecting the more remote parts of southern Chile. The Angelmó market, famous for its array of fresh seafood, vibrant handicrafts, and woollen goods, encapsulates the local culture and is a hub for culinary and artisanal exploration.

The nearby Lake District offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush forests, making Puerto Montt a central point for accessing natural wonders such as the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, where the Petrohué Falls and Osorno Volcano are key attractions. The city’s blend of natural beauty and cultural richness reflects the diverse offerings of the region.

Santiago, Chile’s capital, is a vibrant city set against the stunning backdrop of the Andes. The historic Plaza de Armas, founded in 1541, is the cultural heart of Santiago, where you can admire the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office's architecture. Nearby, the National Museum of Fine Arts showcases Chilean and South American art.

Bellavista, known for its colorful street art and lively atmosphere, is home to La Chascona, the house of poet Pablo Neruda. For a taste of local flavors, the bustling Mercado Central offers a variety of fresh seafood and traditional dishes, making it a culinary highlight of the city.

One of the busiest ports on the western coast of South America, the port of San Antonio is the gateway to Santiago which is around an hour and half away.

Santiago is nestled at the foot of the Andes in the Maipo River Valley and inland lies the sun-kissed wine regions of Casablanca and Maipo Maipo Valley, Chile's renowned wine region.

Stroll down bustling Alameda, the city’s main thoroughfare to steal a look at the ornate 16th century architecture including the famed San Francisco church. Here you can climb the lovely Santa Lucia hill and take in some of the best views of the sprawling city below and the Sanhattan's skyscrapers.

Peru's capital, Lima was once the heart of Spain's South American empire in the 19th century, now modern Lima is a huge metropolis crammed with culture, and a history that pre-dates the Incas and is also a gateway to the marvels of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon jungle. The historic heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and this is where many of Lima's museums, churches and colonial treasures are conveniently located, and is best explored on foot.

Callao is the chief seaport of Peru and has a rich maritime heritage and vibrant urban culture. Located adjacent to Lima, it serves as a vital link between the capital city and the world.

Callao boasts an intriguing mix of colonial architecture and street art, most notably in the regenerated neighbourhood of La Punta, where visitors can stroll along the seaside promenade enjoying the ocean breeze.

The Real Felipe Fortress, a historical bastion against pirate attacks, dominates the local landscape with its imposing presence. Now a museum, it offers a deep dive into the area's colonial past.

Callao is also the gateway to the Palomino Islands, where visitors can see large colonies of sea lions and seabirds.